AIM highlights how divergent national product and packaging labelling requirements continue to fragment the EU Single Market, increasing costs and limiting companies’ ability to operate efficiently across borders. Differences in interpretation, implementation and enforcement of EU rules — as well as unilateral national measures — force businesses to adapt packaging, relabel products and manage multiple production lines.
The paper provides concrete examples across sectors, showing how inconsistent labelling rules create barriers to trade, confuse consumers and undermine EU objectives such as packaging minimisation and sustainability.
AIM calls for stronger EU harmonisation, clearer guidance and consistent enforcement of rules, as well as the prevention of additional national requirements. The association also supports the use of digital solutions, such as QR codes and Digital Product Passports, to simplify labelling and improve flexibility for businesses
